What is best for beach driving - FX4 or Tremor?

[AlsMaverick]

Can you do it in an FX4? Most likely, but it is not optimal for beach going.

The FX4 has open differentials without a center locking differential to make the FX4 lock in AWD mode with a 50/50 split on power.

So the FX4 is a front wheel drive biased AWD system with open diffs.

The Tremor PTU can lock into AWD and split power 50/50 front to rear, and the RDU can lock the rear end.

Really only 1 choice here.

That is an inaccurate description of the FX4. The Tremor does have a locking differential. Definitely has advantages. But to say the FX4 has an open differential is incorrect. The computer can make it act like an open differential but is works more like a limited slip differential where the computer determines how and when to allow the slippage. Nothing like an open diff.

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[710-oil-614]

That is an inaccurate description of the FX4. The Tremor does have a locking differential. Definitely has advantages. But to say the FX4 has an open differential is incorrect. The computer can make it act like an open differential but is works more like a limited slip differential where the computer determines how and when to allow the slippage. Nothing like an open diff.

It is an open differential in the sense that it cannot lock and distribute power 50/50 to both wheels regardless of traction.

When it senses tire with the least amount of traction slipping, it stops that tire and sends 100% of the power to the other wheel.

OP asked what was best not what can possibly handle it.

Defend the FX4 as much as you want - it can't lock 4WD and can't lock the rear.

 

[Tim d]

I currently have an XLT Lux Hybrid and love it, but within this next year I will be moving from NY to southern TX. The wife and I frequent south padre island and at the end of the island there are many drive on points. I could just park off the road with the Hybrid and walk up the beach ... but ... if I was to trade in the Hybrid after the model refresh, would you go with a FX4 or Tremor? Hoping to get some recommendations from some other beach goers!

Depends how you want to use your truck. Remember a tremor can't tow as much as most minivans.

 

[AlsMaverick]

It is an open differential in the sense that it cannot lock and distribute power 50/50 to both wheels regardless of traction.

When it senses tire with the least amount of traction slipping, it stops that tire and sends 100% of the power to the other wheel.

OP asked what was best not what can possibly handle it.

Defend the FX4 as much as you want - it can't lock 4WD and can't lock the rear.

I'm not trying to defend the FX4 but instead, correct your inaccurate statements. For example: "When it senses tire with the least amount of traction slipping, it stops that tire and sends 100% of the power to the other wheel." Correct, that's what is does though not necessarily 100%. But that is exactly the opposite of what an open differential does. An open differential sends power to the wheel with the LEAST amount of traction. Which is why the inside tire always spins in the rain going around a corner.
And BTW, the FX4 can simulate a locking diff.

 

[fossil]

And BTW, the FX4 can simulate a locking diff.

and exactly how does it do that with one clutch?

 

[colinl]

That is an inaccurate description of the FX4. The Tremor does have a locking differential. Definitely has advantages. But to say the FX4 has an open differential is incorrect. The computer can make it act like an open differential but is works more like a limited slip differential where the computer determines how and when to allow the slippage. Nothing like an open diff.

not really in the sense that any off-roader would consider locked.

locked for several decades has meant a sliding pin going through the axle or in the transfer case, through the power take-off / front driveshaft prop. it's mechanically locked together.

the tremor is not like that. it has a multiplate clutch pack, it can fully energize the clutches and bind the axles or driveshafts together. BUT that's not a pin. it's just a clutch. it can overheat and spin. a real locker will not do that.

 

[AlsMaverick]

and exactly how does it do that with one clutch?

It works exactly like a limited slip differential where the pressure on the clutch pack is variable based on an electric motor as opposed to fixed like the mechanical limited slip.
The higher the pressure the harder it is for the two axles to spin independently (differential slip).
In both the limited slip and open differential (including the Tremor when the diff is not locked) the axle with the least traction automatically (mechanically) gets the power.
The Maverick controls differential slippage by use of braking and clutch pressure via the electric motor for the RDU.

 

[710-oil-614]

not really in the sense that any off-roader would consider locked.

locked for several decades has meant a sliding pin going through the axle or in the transfer case, through the power take-off / front driveshaft prop. it's mechanically locked together.

the tremor is not like that. it has a multiplate clutch pack, it can fully energize the clutches and bind the axles or driveshafts together. BUT that's not a pin. it's just a clutch. it can overheat and spin. a real locker will not do that.

No it is absolutely locked in the sense that any off-roader would consider locked.

Do you swear by only getting out of your truck to lock your hubs for 4WD? Claiming a technology that provides the IDENTICAL functionality as a mechanical locker is not "a real locker" is hilarious.

Nobody is overheating the RDU with the locker engaged. It is being used for low speed traction for short periods of time.

You're conflating the PTU 4WD lock which will disengage if it senses overheating.

The RDU is also pretty sweet because it doesn't keep the locker engaged to the point where it is detrimental to the drivetrain just for the sake of keeping it engaged.

As a Bronco owner yourself - if you've spent anytime on the B6G forums - you know there are plenty of folks who have zero idea how to wheel and cook their drivetrains by misusing their lockers.

 

[fossil]

the tremor is not like that. it has a multiplate clutch pack, it can fully energize the clutches and bind the axles or driveshafts together. BUT that's not a pin. it's just a clutch. it can overheat and spin. a real locker will not do that.

so it's a locker until it over heats, I'm good with that. let me know when someone, not a Focus RS owner gets there.

 

[colinl]

As a Bronco owner yourself - if you've spent anytime on the B6G forums - you know there are plenty of folks who have zero idea how to wheel and cook their drivetrains by misusing their lockers.

using a clutch does prevent that, yes. but how? hmm, it slips!

in the real world, a person would probably have to contrive some kind of obstacle course specifically meant to find and exploit the limitations of the Tremor's PTU and RDU. some kind of course that the Tremor's ground clearance can navigate.

but they're not mechanically locked together. they use clutch force. I have never seen anyone complain about the clutch overheating or wearing out, but it can happen and with enough offroad use, would eventually happen.

 

[fossil]

It works exactly like a limited slip differential where the pressure on the clutch pack is variable based on an electric motor as opposed to fixed like the mechanical limited slip.
The higher the pressure the harder it is for the two axles to spin independently (differential slip).
In both the limited slip and open differential (including the Tremor when the diff is not locked) the axle with the least traction automatically (mechanically) gets the power.
The Maverick controls differential slippage by use of braking and clutch pressure via the electric motor for the RDU.

glad you clarified that, like a limited slip not like a locker.
a limited slip ties both sides together until differential torque mechanically causes the clutch pack to slip. Can't count the number of times I wished my Raptor had a limited slip.

yes the Tremor is open, when the lock isn't engaged but the point here is it can be locked at the rear AND at the PTU and doesn't require and power sapping brake action to function.

 

[710-oil-614]

using a clutch does prevent that, yes. but how? hmm, it slips!

in the real world, a person would probably have to contrive some kind of obstacle course specifically meant to find and exploit the limitations of the Tremor's PTU and RDU.

I have never seen anyone complain about the clutch overheating or wearing out, but it can happen and with enough offroad use, would eventually happen.

So - I've never seen it happen and nobody has complained about it yet, but it's a possibility (just like people roasting their lockers with misuse) it could fail so therefor it's just not a real locker.

 

[fossil]

So - I've never seen it happen and nobody has complained about it yet, but it's a possibility (just like people roasting their lockers with misuse) it could fail so therefor it's just not a real locker.

I think what is sticking in some craws is the Tremor RDU isn't a traditional locker, forgetting that it provides the same function. Pointing out it isn't a traditional locker doesn't support the case for the FX4. The first thing that is going to over heat on these beasts is the air cooled PTU.
The AWD in the FX4 is awesome, amongst the very best out there. The Tremor shares that functionality in everyday mode and ups that on demand.

"I have never seen anyone complain about the clutch overheating or wearing out, but it can happen and with enough offroad use, would eventually happen."
As could be said about every component on any off roader out there including a M1 Abrams.

 

[colinl]

Pointing out it isn't a traditional locker doesn't support the case for the FX4.

completely agree with that. the reason to get FX4 is what I wrote in my first reply in this thread - if you want 4K towing. if you aren't towing, and your budget allows for a Tremor, I would always vote Tremor.

also, relative the thread topic and first post, any driving on the beach is most definitely NOT a place I would expect to find any limitation with the Tremor's PTU or RDU. it would definitely be an asset.

 

[710-oil-614]

any driving on the beach is most definitely NOT a place I would expect to find any limitation with the Tremor's PTU or RDU. it would definitely be an asset.

I'm guilty of getting riled up in defense of the Tremor just as much as those defending the FX4 - we're a fickle bunch.

Beach I'd mostly agree but if you're hitting any sand dunes and hooning around with PTU locked over hot sand that is where I would expect it to possibly disengage.

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